What exactly is peripheral neuropathy? Peripheral neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the peripheral nerves, the nerves that carry messages to and from the spinal cord and brain from the rest of the body. When peripheral neuropathy is caused by diabetes mellitus (a common cause), it is called diabetic neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can also be caused by other metabolic disorders, herpes zoster, HIV, nutritional deficiencies, toxins, cancer (directly or indirectly as a side effect of chemotherapy or radiation), immune disorders, or genetic disorders. Whatever the cause, peripheral neuropathy can be a very debilitating condition that can affect every aspect… Continue reading
Psoriasis, also termed, ‘psoriasis vulgaris,’ is a common, chronic, relapsing/remitting, immune-mediated skin disease characterized by red, scaly patches, papules, and plaques, which usually itch. The skin lesions associated with psoriasis may vary in severity from minor localized patches to, at its worst, complete body coverage.
The disease affects 2-4% of the population and often runs in families. The patches range in size and most commonly appear on the knees, elbows, scalp, hands, feet, and lower back. These red plaques usually itch and are often painful and sometimes bleed.
Psoriasis currently has no cure but there are medical treatments that help.… Continue reading
Adult Onset Huntington’s Disease (HD) is a relatively rare degenerative brain disorder that is inherited. The symptoms of the disease usually appear in adults in their 30s or 40s, and once present, progress rapidly, causing a wide range of ever-worsening symptoms that eventually leads to death. As a highly aggressive, untreatable, and terminal condition, HD is among the conditions that are part of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) Compassionate Allowances (CAL) program, a disability initiative designed to get benefits to those who need them most and in as short of a time as possible.
HD is the most common genetic… Continue reading
Hearing Loss – Condition and Symptoms
A person hears when sound waves inside the ear are converted into nerve signals that are recognized by the brain as sound. The eardrum and three bones in the middle ear amplify sound vibrations as they travel to the inner ear. Inside the inner ear is the cochlea, which contains fluid and to which are attached tiny hairs that translate the vibrations to electrical signals which in turn stimulate the brain to hear sound. When these hairs are damaged, the electrical signals are not transmitted effectively, and Hearing Loss may result. Hearing Loss is… Continue reading
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a type of blood disorder which causes the bone marrow to overproduce red blood cells. The condition sometimes also causes the body to produce too many platelets and white blood cells. These disorders cause the blood to thicken, which leads to a number of adverse conditions.
Most victims of PV are sixty years old and older, though the condition can affect people at any age. Some connection to toxic chemicals is suspected but not adequately proven.
Many people with PV fail to show any symptoms, and may never discover they have the condition unless it shows… Continue reading
Psoriatic arthritis (PA) is a type of arthritis that occurs along with psoriasis in an estimated 10 – 30% of cases. Psoriasis, on the other hand, is a skin condition that causes patches of skin to become red and scaly and can be treated conservatively. Symptoms of both psoriasis and PA may come and go called flare-ups and remission. These chronic conditions can and often worsen over time.
PA usually develops after skin symptoms, but it is possible for symptoms of arthritis to occur first. The most common symptoms are joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Typically the onset of arthritis… Continue reading
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder of unknown cause. Common symptoms include abdominal cramping or pain, bloating and gassiness, and altered bowel habits. This condition is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease.
Individuals who are unable to control the symptoms of IBS usually have many restrictions in their daily activities. IBS is not currently an impairment included in the Social Security Administration impairments listing manual (called Blue Book).
However, if it can be proven that your symptoms are so painful, disruptive, and distracting enough to keep you from working a full-time job, you may be… Continue reading
CAN YOU REALLY BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU HEAR?
Social Security Myths and Facts ….
MYTH:
“I was told by Social Security that even if I applied for disability and my claim is allowed, I wouldn’t be able to draw any money because I’m drawing Workers’ Compensation, so I guess there is no need to apply.”
FACT:
Monthly benefits are not the only advantage to receiving a favorable decision from Social Security on your disability claim. Also:
Protect your retirement benefits with “DISABILITY FREEZE”.
You may be eligible for Medicare coverage just 2 years after your entitlement is established.
Workers’… Continue reading
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder that affects how the brain processes information.
Symptoms of Autism vary in both type and degree and can develop gradually, but the condition is usually recognized by age three, and often sooner. An infant with autism does not react to social stimulation with healthy behavior such as babbling, laughing, smiling, or making eye contact. Instead, an infant with autism may show a marked inability to interact, and often begins to show signs of repetitive or limited behavior. Early intervention can help children with autism cope with their condition to different degrees, but… Continue reading
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also referred to as ALS and Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is a condition that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. These nerve cells control an individual’s voluntary muscle movement. When an individual suffers from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, these nerve cells die and are no longer able to send messages to the muscles of the body. Over time, the condition gets worse and eventually, the muscles in the chest area stop working. This can make it hard or even impossible for an individual to breathe on his/her own.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a rare condition… Continue reading